| Electrochromic (EC) materials can change their optical properties reversibly for an applied electrical potential due to electrochemical oxidation and reduction. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) which are able to actively control light transmittance/absorbance could be used in the field of architecture, vehicle, aircraft, eyewear and displays.;In this presented research, a cathodic blue color EC polymer material, poly (3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene) (PProDOT-Me2) was studied, and utilized to fabricate flexible electrochromic device. The basic structure of electrochromic device was battery like, multi-layered device. It had two electrodes, one working, one counter, and one ion conductive layer in between. Normally the working electrode performs the color change during operation of the device. A layer of PProDOT-Me2 thin film was electrochemically deposited on ITO coated plastic substrate as the working electrode. The nano structure, optical and electrical properties of the polymer thin film was investigated. Electrochemical AC impedance data was studied to reveal the charge transfer and color switching kinetics of the polymer thin film. It indicated a diffusion controlled redox process during color switching. An equivalent circuit model was built up to simulate the experimental date.;Flexible electrochromic device was designed and assembled. It had adjustable transmittance of light, fast response time, low driving potential, good repeatability and long lifetime. The device was scaled up to develop color switchable smart eyewear. Prototype of smart goggles was brought in this research. Meanwhile, a vacuum filling station system was developed for filling liquid electrolyte into an EC polymer based device. This system succeeded in enhancing the efficiency of the mass production of electrochromic devices. |
